Land of 10,000 washes: OCT 14, 2026

The Recap

HCA’s 2026 Carwash Road Show: A Journey Through Innovation, Education, and Industry Connections

From cutting-edge equipment and chemical innovation to the world’s longest carwash tunnel, HCA’s Minnesota Road Show brought the industry together for a day of hands-on learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences.

October 14, 2026 | Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota

On October 14, 2026, approximately 60 carwash professionals traded their offices for a seat on the bus as the Heartland Carwash Association (HCA) hosted its 2026 Carwash Road Show: Land of 10,000 Washes.

The one-day event took attendees behind the scenes of some of Minnesota’s most innovative carwash operations and manufacturing facilities, offering a firsthand look at the technology, people, and processes driving the industry forward.

Unlike a traditional trade show or conference, the Road Show was designed to take education directly into the field, where attendees could see equipment in action, ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from fellow industry professionals.

From Manufacturing to the Wash Bay

The day kicked off at Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where attendees gathered for breakfast and networking before boarding the bus for a full day of tours.

The first stop was Autowash Systems, Inc. (ASI) in New Prague. Attendees explored the company’s facility, learning about equipment, technology, and training before visiting a ASI’s carwash, WashLab, to see those concepts in action.

From there, the group traveled to Chaska Carwash, where attendees got an inside look at an operation featuring a Petit 360i XLT automatic wash, self-serve bays, and strategic equipment upgrades.

Chaska also provided one of the day’s more memorable surprises: Bloody Marys! A little Minnesota hospitality added some fun to an already engaging morning.

The Science Behind the Shine

At Ver-Tech Labs in Rockford, attendees enjoyed lunch and an educational tour of the company’s manufacturing and laboratory facilities.

The experience offered a deeper understanding of carwash chemistry, quality control, and product development, along with hands-on education about chemical titration and discussions surrounding environmental considerations such as PFAS.

Seeing the science behind the products used in everyday carwash operations gave attendees a new perspective on an essential part of their businesses.

Inside the World’s Longest Carwash Tunnel

The final tour stop brought attendees to Sota Shine in Brooklyn Park, home to an extraordinary 288-foot conveyor tunnel, recognized as the world’s longest carwash tunnel.

Owned by Nick Netley, the facility showcased the possibilities of large-scale carwash operations, featuring advanced equipment, extensive indoor vacuum facilities, water reclamation, and energy-conscious technology.

The size and sophistication of the operation offered plenty of inspiration and sparked conversations about efficiency, innovation, and the future of carwashing.

Real Conversations. Real Connections.

Of course, no road trip is complete without a few unexpected moments. The bus microphone worked beautifully—until it didn’t! But a little technical difficulty couldn’t slow down the conversations, laughter, and exchange of ideas happening throughout the day.

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway wasn’t any single piece of equipment or technology. It was the opportunity to step away from daily operations and experience the industry firsthand.

“There’s something incredibly valuable about getting out of the office and into the field,” said Kristen Corbisiero, HCA Executive Director & Publisher. “You can read about new equipment, technology, and industry trends all day long, but seeing them in action, asking questions, and learning directly from the people behind these operations is an entirely different experience. That’s what we wanted to create with this Road Show—real education, real connections, and opportunities that our members can bring back to their own businesses.”

Ending the Day, Midwest Style

Following the tours, attendees returned to Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino for the HCA Midwest Social, featuring live music, refreshments, and plenty of conversation.

It was a chance to reconnect, share favorite moments from the day, and strengthen relationships with fellow operators, vendors, and industry leaders.

Thank You to Our Industry Partners

HCA extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors and partners who helped make the Road Show possible: ASI, Ver-Tech Labs, Petit Auto Wash, AVW, DRB, Quest, OPW, McClean Solutions, OptSpot, Gallagher, and Professional Carwashing & Detailing, our exclusive media sponsor.

Special thanks also go to the owners, operators, and teams at each tour location for opening their doors, sharing their expertise, and making this unique educational experience possible.

The Road Ahead

The 2026 Road Show demonstrated the tremendous value of hands-on education and meaningful industry connections. As HCA continues to expand its reach across 13 Midwest states, experiences like these remain central to its mission of supporting and strengthening the professional carwashing industry.

The buses may have returned to Mystic Lake, but the conversations, lessons, and relationships built throughout the day will continue well beyond Minnesota.

Next up: HCA’s 46th Annual Product & Equipment Show, March 23–24, 2027, at the Tinley Park Convention Center near Chicago.

Learn More About the 2027 Product Show